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BNI Decatur, 1042 W College Avenue, Decatur, GA (2026)

09/03/2026

Another great Thursday morning at BNI Decatur!

September is here, which means we had the opportunity to recognize our August Networking Leaders and celebrate the members who went above and beyond last month.

Congratulations to our August Networking Leaders:

• Bryan Spencer with Schooley Mitchell – $36,000 in Thank You for Closed Business
• Shani Anderson with Not Just CPAs – 25 Referrals
• Wanda Gilchrist with A Lady’s Touch – 4 Visitors
• Madison Martin with Edward Jones – 25 CEUs
• Art Wood with Art Wood Mortgage – 22 One-to-Ones

These numbers are a great example of what BNI is all about: building relationships, creating opportunities and helping one another grow.

We also had an incredible turnout this week, welcoming 13 visitors, guests and substitutes to BNI Decatur. We appreciate everyone who joined us and brought some great energy to the room!

Our Featured Speaker was Daniel Ludin with FASTSIGNS of Tucker. Daniel went beyond talking about signs and gave us a great business lesson on the five primary ways a company can differentiate itself: price, product, speed, service and selection. His challenge was to identify what makes your business meaningfully different and then consistently communicate that message so customers and referral partners know exactly why and when to choose you.

Daniel Ludin with FASTSIGNS of Tucker also shared a great lesson on focus: once you've identified your two or three highest priorities, the other good ideas on your list aren't necessarily your next priorities—they may actually be your biggest distractions. Business is about ex*****on, not simply having more ideas.

Congratulations to Alexia Shepherd with Studio 16 Theatre Company for winning this week's Ivan Award for Best 45-Second Presentation! Alexia used her presentation to get the entire room involved while highlighting the many ways people can participate in and support Studio 16 Theatre Company, including opportunities for local businesses to become community sponsors.

Our Networking Education Moment from Stephen Bentley with Thryv also reinforced an important lesson: specificity makes referrals easier. Instead of asking for "anyone who needs my services," give your referral partners a specific person, situation or problem to listen for.

BNI Decatur has now generated nearly $660,000 in Thank You for Closed Business during our current BNI year, with even more business continuing to come through the chapter.

If you're a local business owner or professional looking to promote your business, build meaningful relationships and grow through referrals, we'd love to have you visit BNI Decatur!

08/27/2026

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Today we welcomed 6 visitors, guests and substitutes to the room and officially inducted our newest member, Rob Huffstedtler with Two Maids! Welcome to the BNI Decatur family, Rob!

Our featured speaker was our chapter President and Commercial Real Estate Broker, Ruben Rodriguez. Ruben gave us a look at his journey from growing up in his family's tortilla manufacturing business to becoming a commercial real estate broker, investor and business owner. He also broke down some of the fundamentals of commercial real estate, including the different property sectors, cap rates, triple-net investments and the importance of having proper representation when buying, selling or leasing commercial property.

One of Ruben's biggest messages: "The devil is in the details." Commercial real estate transactions can involve zoning, environmental issues, lease terms, investment metrics and plenty of other nuances that make having an experienced professional on your side important.

Congratulations to Wanda Gilchrist with A Lady's Touch for taking home this week's Ivan Award for Best 45-Second Presentation! Wanda shared how sellers can potentially finance staging and certain home repairs and pay those costs at closing — a great solution for sellers who need to get a property market-ready without taking on all of the upfront expense.

Stephen Bentley also delivered our Networking Education Moment with an important reminder about referrals: don't just pass a name. Qualify the need, properly introduce both parties and stay involved long enough to make sure the connection actually happens. That's how a referral becomes an opportunity for real business.

And speaking of real business, BNI Decatur has now generated approximately $659,000 in Thank You for Closed Business during our current chapter year!

Great people. Great energy. Great connections.

If you're a local business owner or professional looking to grow your network and your business through meaningful relationships and referrals, come visit us!

BNI Decatur
Thursdays at 9:00 a.m.
Wahoo! Grill
1042 W. College Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030

08/27/2026

Thursday, August 20, 2026

This week we welcomed 5 visitors, guests and substitutes to the room for another morning of building relationships, making connections and generating business for one another.

We also welcomed Marty Kason with Reach Technologies into his new chapter seat representing office technology, printers, copiers, scanners and related solutions.

Our featured speaker was Joel Waggoner with Fraser Roofing. Joel shared his background in construction and the values behind Fraser Roofing, but one of the biggest takeaways was his approach to roof inspections. Not every aging or damaged roof needs to become an insurance claim, and not every roof needs to be replaced. Joel emphasized getting a knowledgeable inspection first so homeowners and business owners can understand whether they're dealing with storm damage, age, improper installation or simply a repair.

Joel Waggoner with Fraser Roofing also discussed their work with both residential and commercial properties and their "pay at close" option, which can be particularly helpful for homeowners and real estate professionals when a roof needs to be addressed before a property sale. His presentation generated several testimonials from members who have already trusted Joel Waggoner with Fraser Roofing with their own homes, clients and properties.

Congratulations to Hunter Gurney with Gurney Benefits for winning this week's Ivan Award for Best 45-Second Presentation!

Stephen Bentley with Thryv used our Networking Education Moment to talk about BNI's Power of One metrics. His message was simple: the traffic-light report isn't just a scorecard. It's a personal success tracker. Consistent attendance, meaningful one-to-ones and continuing education build the relationships and trust that ultimately lead to referrals and closed business.

A few highlights from this week's meeting:

• 5 visitors, guests and substitutes
• Featured Speaker: Joel Waggoner with Fraser Roofing
• Ivan Award Winner: Hunter Gurney with Gurney Benefits
• More than $617,000 in Thank You for Closed Business reported through chapter referrals over the current BNI year

One of the best comments of the morning actually came from one of our visitors, who described BNI Decatur as feeling less like a "cookout family" and more like a "Sunday dinner together family" because of how well our members know, support and participate in each other's businesses. We couldn't ask for a better description of what we're trying to build.

If you're a local business owner or professional looking to promote your business, make meaningful connections and grow through referrals, we'd love to have you visit BNI Decatur.

BNI Decatur
Thursdays at 9:00 a.m.
Wahoo! Grill
1042 W. College Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030

08/13/2026

Another great Thursday morning at BNI Decatur!

We welcomed 7 visitors this week and had another strong meeting focused on building relationships, making connections and helping each other grow.

Our featured speaker was Alex Merritt with Merritt Law. Alex shared his extensive trial experience and explained the types of personal injury cases his firm handles, from everyday car accidents and premises liability claims to catastrophic injuries and wrongful death cases. One of the biggest takeaways was the importance of getting an experienced attorney involved early, when evidence can still be gathered and preserved. Alex also reminded us that consultations with Merritt Law are free, so when in doubt, make the introduction and let Alex determine how he can help.

Congratulations to Bre Colquitt with Reach Technologies for winning this week's Ivan Award for Best 45-Second Presentation! Bre turned the room into a BNI Decatur men's runway to demonstrate how branded apparel keeps your company visible even when you're not in the room. Creative, interactive and definitely memorable.

Stephen Bentley with Thryv gave us a great Networking Education Moment with a challenge for the chapter: "Your Chapter Needs You to Be Great." His message was that September momentum doesn't magically begin in September; we build it now through attendance, one-to-ones, inviting visitors, strong weekly presentations and consistently supporting our fellow members.

A few highlights from this week's meeting:

• 7 visitors joined us
• Featured Speaker: Alex Merritt with Merritt Law
• Ivan Award Winner: Bre Colquitt with Reach Technologies
• More than $617,000 in Thank You for Closed Business generated through BNI Decatur referrals since October 1st

One of our closing thoughts summed up the morning perfectly:

"Your network is like a garden. If you only show up when you need something, don't be surprised when nothing grows."

If you're looking to grow your business through meaningful relationships, trusted connections and quality referrals, we'd love to have you visit us.

BNI Decatur
Thursdays at 9:00 a.m.
Wahoo! Grill
1042 W. College Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030

08/07/2026

We kicked off August by recognizing the members who led the way in July. Congratulations to our July Networking Leaders:

• Wanda Gilchrist – #1 Thank You for Closed Business Given: $26,131
• Shani Anderson – #1 Referrals Given: 76
• Ariel Reyes – #1 Visitors Brought: 8
• Jordan Lari – #1 CEUs Completed: 25
• Shani Anderson – #1 1-to-1s Completed: 14

We also recognized 9 members who finished the month “in the Green” on BNI’s Power of One metrics. Being in the Green means consistently doing the activities that make networking work: attending meetings, giving referrals, having 1-to-1s, continuing your education and bringing visitors.

Our featured speaker was Stephen Bentley with Thryv, who shared how Thryv helps local businesses get found online, generate and prioritize leads, track their marketing ROI and bring their digital tools together. One of Stephen’s biggest differentiators is that his clients aren't simply dealing with a platform — they have a local person they can actually sit down with and hold accountable.

Congratulations to Ariel Reyes with Personal Assistant Star for winning this week's Ivan Award for Best Weekly Presentation! Ariel came prepared as Superman and reminded us that overwhelmed business owners don't necessarily need a superhero — they may just need the right sidekick. Definitely memorable!

A few more numbers from this week's meeting:

• 1 visitor
• 24 referrals passed
• 44 CEUs logged
• Nearly $50,000 in Thank You for Closed Business reported for the week
• More than $610,000 in closed business generated through chapter referrals since October 1st

Great way to start August!

If you're a business owner or professional looking to build meaningful relationships, expand your network and grow your business through referrals, we'd love to have you visit us.

BNI Decatur
Thursdays | 9:00 AM
Wahoo! Grill
1042 W. College Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030

07/31/2026

Another outstanding Thursday morning at BNI Decatur!

This week we welcomed 3 visitors and continued building relationships that lead to quality referrals and meaningful business growth.

We were also excited to officially induct Alexia Shepard with Studio 16 Theater Company into our chapter as our Nonprofit representative. Welcome to the BNI Decatur family, Alexia! We're excited to have you as part of our chapter.

Our featured speaker, Thomas Warnke with Cornerstone Insurance LLC, delivered an outstanding presentation on commercial insurance. Tom walked us through the importance of properly protecting your business, explained common coverage gaps many business owners don't realize they have, and shared why having an experienced advisor can make all the difference when it comes to protecting everything you've worked so hard to build.

Congratulations to Sean Dammann with Lion Heart Team at Allstate for taking home this week's Ivan Award! Sean completely changed things up by delivering his weekly presentation as a rap, proving that creativity and memorability are a powerful combination when asking for referrals.

Stephen Bentley's Networking Education Moment reminded us that we're not each other's sales team—we're each other's connection team. The goal isn't to sell for another member, but to make authentic introductions that transfer trust and open doors. As Stephen put it, "Authentic introductions outperform sales pitches."

Meeting highlights:

• 3 visitors joined us this week
• Alexia Shepard with Studio 16 Theater Company was officially inducted as our Nonprofit member
• Featured Speaker: Thomas Warnke, Cornerstone Insurance LLC
• Ivan Award Winner: Sean Dammann, Lion Heart Team at Allstate
• Networking Education: Authentic introductions outperform sales pitches

If you're looking to grow your business through trusted relationships and quality referrals, we'd love to have you visit us.

BNI Decatur
Thursdays at 9:00 a.m.
Wahoo! Grill
1042 W. College Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030

Changing the Way the World Does Business® — one relationship at a time.

07/23/2026

Thursday, July 23, 2026

This week's meeting was packed with energy, new faces, and great stories. We were thrilled to welcome 17 visitors, one of our largest visitor turnouts in recent memory. A huge thank you to everyone who came to experience what BNI Decatur is all about.

We also celebrated an exciting milestone by officially welcoming Bryan Spencer with Schooley Mitchell as our newest chapter member. We're excited to have Bryan join our community of professionals committed to helping one another grow.

Congratulations to Dr. Ashlee Wood with Upper Cervical Chiropractic for earning this week's Ivan Award for the best weekly presentation. Her practical posture and mobility tips made for a memorable presentation and a well-deserved recognition.

Our featured presenter, Ariel Reyes with Personal Assistant Star, delivered an outstanding presentation on how business owners can reclaim their time by building dependable support systems. His message was clear: successful business owners shouldn't have to wear every hat. Ariel also demonstrated how combining talented virtual assistants with modern technology helps businesses operate more efficiently while maintaining the personal touch that clients expect. The room was filled with testimonials from happy clients, and Ariel's preparation—and the number of guests he invited—made for one of the most engaging presentations we've had.

Ruben Rodriguez subbing for Stephen Bentley's Networking Education Moment reminded us that people don't remember lists—they remember stories. Instead of simply telling people what you do, share a client success story or a problem you've solved. Stories create emotion, emotion creates memory, and people refer the professionals they remember.

This week's highlights:
• 17 visitors
• Bryan Spencer with Schooley Mitchell officially inducted as our newest member
• Featured Presenter: Ariel Reyes, Personal Assistant Star
• Ivan Award Winner: Dr. Ashlee Wood, Upper Cervical Chiropractic
• Networking Education: Tell stories, not just services

If you're looking to grow your business through meaningful relationships and quality referrals, we'd love to have you visit us.

BNI Decatur
Thursdays at 9:00 a.m.
Wahoo! Grill
1042 W. College Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030

Changing the Way the World Does Business® — one relationship at a time.

07/23/2026

Another fantastic Thursday morning at BNI Decatur!

Instead of a featured presentation this week, our members spent dedicated time in one-to-one meetings—one of the most valuable parts of BNI. These focused conversations help members better understand each other's businesses, strengthen relationships, and uncover new referral opportunities. As we like to say, referrals travel at the speed of trust.

We were also excited to welcome 5 visitors to the chapter. Thank you for joining us and experiencing firsthand what makes BNI Decatur such a dynamic group of professionals.

Congratulations to Craig Hoskins with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, recipient of this week's Ivan Award for the best weekly presentation. Craig's engaging and memorable presentation highlighted the importance of having a plumber you can trust—someone who shows up on time, communicates clearly, and delivers on their promises.

Stephen Bentley's Networking Education Moment reminded us that giving referrals is a skill that can be developed by asking better questions during one-to-ones. Four simple questions can help us identify ideal clients, recognize referral opportunities, share valuable resources, and better understand what to look for when connecting business to our fellow members.

A few reminders from this week's meeting:

• Strong one-to-ones lead to stronger referrals.
• Be intentional about learning what problems your fellow members solve.
• Great networking happens both inside and outside the chapter.
• Relationships are the foundation of quality referrals.

If you're looking to grow your business through a structured, positive, and professional referral marketing organization, we'd love to have you visit us.

BNI Decatur
Thursdays at 9:00 a.m.
Wahoo! Grill
1042 W. College Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030

Changing the Way the World Does Business® — one relationship at a time.

07/09/2026

Another great Thursday morning at BNI Decatur!

We were excited to induct three new members into the chapter:

• David Green – Lionheart Designs
• Jackson Stout – The Kellum Group | KW Realty
• Stacey Watts – PayEntry Payroll Service

Welcome to the BNI Decatur family! We look forward to helping you grow your businesses through quality relationships and referrals.

We also welcomed 9 visitors representing a variety of professions. Thank you for spending your morning with us. We hope you experienced the power of relationship marketing and Givers Gain.

Congratulations to our June Networking Leaders:

• Thank You for Closed Business: Justin Reames, My Exterior Cleaners – $14,945
• Most Referrals: Shani Anderson – 50
• Most Visitors: Arvin Clark – 3
• Most CEUs: Chunja Sinclair – 22
• Most One-to-Ones: Art Wood – 18

Our featured speaker was Dr. Ashlee Wood, Upper Cervical Chiropractor, who shared an outstanding presentation on the importance of upper cervical care and how it can positively impact overall health. Thank you for educating the chapter on how to recognize great referral opportunities for your business.

Congratulations also to Stewart Jones of G3 Coatings, this week's Ivan Award winner, for exemplifying the spirit of Givers Gain through his support of fellow members.

Each week our members continue to prove that building relationships, educating one another, and intentionally looking for opportunities to help others leads to real business growth.

If you're looking to grow your business through a structured, positive, and professional referral marketing organization, we'd love to have you visit us.

BNI Decatur
Thursdays at 9:00 a.m.
Wahoo! Grill
1042 W. College Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030

BNI Decatur

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